UT selects presidential search firm

The University of Toledo Board of Trustees voted Tuesday to partner with Witt/Kieffer to help manage the search process for the selection of the institution’s 17th president.

“This decision is an integral part of the search process as Witt/Kieffer will help guide us as the board and the UT community develop the values, characteristics and the job description for the next president,” said Joseph Zerbey, chair of the UT Board of Trustees.

He said the board will immediately begin working with the executive search firm located in Oak Brook, Ill., to develop a process to solicit input from faculty, students, staff, alumni and members of the community, as well as to establish timelines for the entirety of the search process.

Trustee Susan Palmer said that when she had worked with Witt/Kieffer during UT’s recent search for a vice president for institutional advancement, she found those at the firm to be outstanding.

“They were very honest and upfront about the pluses and the minuses of the University and came in with a strong understanding of UT,” Palmer said, noting the diversity of the pool.

The search was ultimately suspended following the announcement by UT President Lloyd Jacobs that he would be stepping down.

Trustee Vice Chair Sharon Speyer said Witt/Kieffer’s experience in health care as well as higher education was one of the points that helped her decide.

Witt/Kieffer was selected following presentations by three firms at a special board meeting.